2010 was: a banner year in school history; despite the slow start. After getting upset by James Madison, and losing an emotional game to Boise, they rattled off 11 wins and went perfect in the ACC. Then they got their asses handed to them by Stanford in the Orange Bowl.

BMOCs: RB David Wilson will look to replace stud back Ryan Williams; who is unfortunately out for the season for the Arizona Cardinals. Tyrod Taylor, VT’s all time leading passer has graduated; it’s not Logan Thomas’ turn. He’s not as mobile as Taylor, but he’s bigger and stronger. nation’s best core. On defense, keep an eye on LB Bruce Taylor, and Tariq Edwards is a sleeper. DEs James Gayle and J.R. Collins can bring it.

2011 will be fruitful if: the offense stays healthy, and the new running back establishes itself early to take the pressure of the new starting QB. Four WRs have the talent to start; led by Jarrett Boykin. Tech doesn’t throw it much, but they have the skills when they do. 4/5 OL starters return, so that’s another strength.

2011 will be awful if: a new QB always brings question marks, and the run defense needs to improve. Also breaking in new punters and kickers could create issues.

Bottom Line: They should easily have another double digit victory season, win the ACC Coastal division and reach the BcS, and winning their first conference title since…2010!

Despite returning just 11 starters they could be a darkhorse national title contender. There will be times when the Hokies look like world beaters this season; because they’re very talented, and play in the ACC. And college football conferences were hurricanes, the Big East would be a tropical storm, the ACC a Category 1, the Big Ten a Category 3 and the SEC a Category 5.

Paul M. Banks is CEO of The Sports Bank.net, an official Google News site that generates millions of unique visitors. He’s also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, Walter Football.com, Yardbarker, and Fox Sports

He does regular weekly radio spots in Chicago and Cleveland and has appeared on live shows all across the world from Houston to New Zealand. You can follow him on Twitter